Tribute to my Mama

I am so glad my grandparents got married and that they had my mom, Candace Cook, who was born and raised in Hawaii. I am so glad that my dad, Keith Rigsby, who was born and raised in California, loved to surf. I am so glad that his passion for surfing took him to Hawaii, where he met my mom. I am so glad that he saw what a catch she was and that he lured her in. I am so glad that they got married and had me. I am so glad I get to say that I was born in Hawaii ;)

As God had planned, Candace Cook Rigsby is my Mama. When I was born, she called me "Precious One" and has never stopped. We have a tape recording of when I was 2 or 3 yrs old and Mom and I are talking and going about our day. I love hearing my little voice, but even more I love to hear Mom's gentle, loving and patient one. Here's some other things I love about my mom...

~ she made homemade popsicles out of orange juice
~ she understood that I wake up very slowly in the mornings and never pressured me to be different
~ she would creatively pay my brother and I for doing chores around the house
~ sno-cones at Al's BBQ Barn
~ many, many, many trips to the library. She fostered a love for reading in my brother and me that will last for the rest of our lives.
~ for years, just before school started in August, she and I would have our annual shopping trip to Austin
~ her laugh
~ using our frequent flyer miles to go to Hawaii for my 20th birthday. Will never forget being taught how to surf at Waikiki by a Hawaiian man with a big belly, long hair and brown, leathery skin. Awesome.
~ driving me to T-ball practices/games, play practices, v-ball practices, b-ball practices, cheerleading, football games. Never complaining, always willing and happy.
~ the random memory of her eating 'wheat germ' when we were kids. Now, for the past 10 or so years, she has been drinking grass and carrot juice. But, hey, she is healthy :)
~ man, she made the best orange julius' when I was sick.
~ going on a mission trip to China with her and watching her come alive in ways I'd never seen before.
~ when I was 14, she would let me 'drive' from the passenger side, by holding onto the steering wheel. Of course, now she regrets doing that. But at the time, it got her the label of very cool mom.
~ she is super practical. If it's uncomfortable, she's not wearing it.
~ MANY a time, she has given great advice that makes perfect sense, but not always at the time when I am FEELING such and such. I've learned over the years to say 'Hey Mom, I am just venting. I will get your advice later'. And I always do, because it is always gooood.
~ hours of prayer and Bible Study. As far back as I can remember, my mom will lay in bed and just pray and pray and pray.... without falling asleep! What a warrior. She's going to get some crowns in heaven for all those hours talking with the Father. She also LOVES to read the Bible. Every day. She usually reads it before bed and I loved walking in and seeing her reading out of enjoyment and pleasure - with no agenda - only to know her Father more. She loves the Old Testament and loves reading through whole books at a time and gleaning from the mistakes and triumphs of the men and women who have gone before us. For 8 years, she was in Bible Study Fellowship and would spend 2-3 hours a day studying and praying. No wonder she is so full of grace and wisdom and love.
~ man, I sure put her through some you know what for a couple years in high school. Goodness, she persevered. She put her foot down. She didn't care about what others thought or what I thought - she knew what was right. She gave me space but also gave me discipline.
~ she could care less about being a 'cool mom'. She stood her ground, she was consistent, she said 'no', she made me come home, she took away the keys to my car, she told me exactly what was on her mind about what I was doing and who I was doing it with. And that, in my book, made her cool (although I never told her that at the time).
~ we were blessed that she was a stay-at-home mom our entire lives. It was so great to have her take me to school and pick me up each day.
~ the smell of her face when I hug and kiss her good-night. She has used the same facial products for years and years and oh, how I love the scent.
~ all my life, she has told me that rainy days are 'cozy days' - a great day to curl up and read a novel while drinking coffee. To this day, I still view rainy days as cozy days and am so glad she has passed this on to me.
~ attention to detail! She has taught me to never buy the clothes that are on top of the pile or at the front of the rack, since those are the ones that everyone touches. Get the best from the back. Inspect it, too. It also applies to noticing beautiful detail - in rooms, on walks, in restaurants. I love how she is all about the atmosphere of the place and that's how I am, too.
~ she is a loving, dedicated, prayerful and wonderful companion to my dad. I know it is a rare thing for a couple to be together for 36 years and I don't take it for granted.
~ when I had my lung surgery last year, she literally took on the symptoms herself. She didn't want them, but she had them because of her intense love for me. As I got better, so did she. Now that is something.

She visited me in Nigeria. It was precious for both of us, as she stepped into my world.

After she visited, we had a lovely vacation in England. We really enjoy each others company and just have fun together. No drama. I like that about my mom.

Boy, does this woman LOVE coffee. When I stayed with my parents, coffee was offered about every two hours. :-) I love how she has passed on to me the fun event of drinking coffee and loving it and sharing that time with others. I also get a kick about how hot she must have it - after she pours it, she puts it in the microwave for 30 seconds! She also adores our Twinkie-dog, her constant companion :)

I could go on and on... I love Candace Cook Rigsby soooooooooooooo much. Mom, thank you for loving me just as I am, for all you've done and continue to do for Shane and me, and for being just who you are - I wouldn't want you any other way. Fishy kisses, Mama!